Division C — Department of Energy National Security Authorizations and Other Authorizations

118th Congress · Approved Dec 23, 2024 · 138 Stat. 1773

DIVISION C Department of Energy National Security Authorizations and Other Authorizations

TITLE XXXI Department of Energy National Security Programs

Subtitle A National Security Programs and Authorizations

SEC. 3101. National Nuclear Security Administration.

(a)

Authorization of Appropriations.— Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Energy for fiscal year 2025 for the activities of the National Nuclear Security Administration in carrying out programs as specified in the funding table in section 4701.

(b)

Authorization of New Plant Projects.— From funds referred to in subsection (a) that are available for carrying out plant projects, the Secretary of Energy may carry out new plant projects for the National Nuclear Security Administration as follows:

(1)

Project 25–D–511, PULSE New Access, Nevada National Security Site, Mercury, Nevada, $25,000,000.

(2)

Project 25–D–510, Plutonium Mission Safety and Quality Building, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, $48,500,000.

(3)

Project 25–D–530, Naval Examination Acquisition Project, Naval Reactors Facility, Idaho Falls, Idaho: $45,000,000.

SEC. 3102. Defense Environmental Cleanup.

Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Energy for fiscal year 2025 for defense environmental cleanup activities in carrying out programs as specified in the funding table in section 4701.

SEC. 3103. Other Defense Activities.

Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Energy for fiscal year 2025 for other defense activities in carrying out programs as specified in the funding table in section 4701.

SEC. 3104. Nuclear Energy.

Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Energy for fiscal year 2025 for nuclear energy as specified in the funding table in section 4701.

Subtitle B Program Authorizations, Restrictions, and Limitations

SEC. 3111. Improvements to National Nuclear Security Administration Management and Processes.

(a)

Modifications to National Nuclear Security Administration Act.— The National Nuclear Security Administration Act (50 U.S.C. 2401 et seq.) is amended—

(1)

in section 3211—

(A)

by striking paragraph (2) of subsection (b) and inserting the following:

“(2) To support the deterrence of strategic attacks against the United States by maintaining and enhancing the performance, reliability, security, and safety of the United States nuclear weapons stockpile, including the ability to design, produce, and test nuclear weapons as necessary in order to meet national security requirements.”

; and

(B)

in subsection (c), by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (3) as paragraphs (2) through (4), respectively, and inserting the following new paragraph (1):

“(1) fulfilling, to the maximum extent possible, the requirements for nuclear weapons of the Department of Defense;”

(2)

in section 3213(a)(2), by inserting “ infrastructure construction and maintenance,” after “ nuclear weapons,”;

(3)

by striking subsection (b)(1) of section 3214 and inserting the following:

“(1) Supporting the deterrence of strategic attacks by maintaining and enhancing the performance, reliability, and security of the United States nuclear weapons stockpile, including the ability to design, produce, and test as necessary to meet national security requirements.”

; and

(4)

in section 3264, by striking “ for the use” and inserting “ for the cost-reimbursable use”.

(b)

Modifications to Nonproliferation and National Security Scholarship and Fellowship Programs.— Section 3113 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (50 U.S.C. 2444) is amended—

(1)

by striking “ Department of Energy” each place it appears and inserting “ National Nuclear Security Administration”; and

(2)

by striking “ of the Department” each place it appears and inserting “ of the Administration”.

(c)

Modifications to Certain Nuclear Weapons Stockpile Matters.— The Atomic Energy Defense Act (50 U.S.C. 2501 et seq.) is amended—

(1)

in section 4201(b)—

(A)

by striking paragraph (5);

(B)

by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (4) as paragraphs (2) through (5), respectively;

(C)

by inserting after the matter preceding paragraph (2), as so redesignated, the following new paragraph (1):

“(1) An increased level of effort for the construction of new facilities and the modernization of existing facilities with production and manufacturing capabilities that are necessary to support the deterrence of strategic attacks against the United States by maintaining and enhancing the performance, reliability, and security of the United States nuclear weapons stockpile, including—

“(A) the nuclear weapons production facilities; and

“(B) production and manufacturing capabilities resident in the national security laboratories.”

(D)

in paragraph (2), as so redesignated, by striking “ An increased level of effort” and inserting “ Support”;

(E)

in paragraph (3), as so redesignated, by striking “ An increased level of effort” and inserting “ Support”; and

(F)

by amending paragraph (4), as so redesignated, to read as follows:

“(4) Support for the modernization of facilities and projects that contribute to the experimental capabilities of the United States that support the sustainment and modernization of the United States nuclear weapons stockpile and the capabilities required to assess nuclear weapons effects.”

(2)

in section 4204—

(A)

in subsection (a)—

(i)

in the matter preceding paragraph (1)—

(I)

by inserting “ , modernization, and replacement, as required,” after “ effective management”; and

(II)

by striking “ , including the extension of the effective life of such weapons”;

(ii)

in paragraph (1), by striking “ increase the reliability, safety, and security” and inserting “ enhance the performance and reliability”;

(iii)

by redesignating paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) as paragraphs (4), (5), and (6), respectively;

(iv)

by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new paragraph (3):

“(3) To maintain the safety and security of the nuclear weapons stockpile.”

; and

(v)

by amending paragraph (4), as so redesignated, to read as follows:

“(4) To optimize the future size of the nuclear weapons stockpile.”

; and

(B)

in subsection (b)—

(i)

in paragraph (1)—

(I)

by striking “ made to achieve” and inserting “ consistent with”; and

(II)

by striking “ ; and” and inserting a semicolon;

(ii)

by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3);

(iii)

by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph (2):

“(2) any changes made to the stockpile consistent with the objectives identified in subsection (a) are carried out in a cost effective manner; and”

; and

(iv)

in paragraph (3), as so redesignated—

(I)

by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:

“(A) be well understood and certifiable without the need to resume underground nuclear weapons testing;”

(II)

by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (B) and inserting “ ; and”; and

(III)

by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

“(C) develop future generations of design, certification, and production expertise in the nuclear security enterprise to support the fulfillment of mission requirements of the future stockpile.”

(3)

in section 4209(a)(1), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking “ phase 1 or phase 6.1” and inserting “ phase 2 or phase 6.2”;

(4)

in section 4212—

(A)

in subsection (a)(1), by striking, “ as specified in the most recent Nuclear Posture Review”;

(B)

in subsection (b)—

(i)

in paragraph (1), by inserting “ and high explosives manufacturing” after “ weapons assembly”;

(ii)

in paragraph (3), by striking “ fissile materials components processing and fabrication” and inserting “ processing”;

(iii)

by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and

(iv)

by inserting after paragraph (3), the following new paragraph (4):

“(4) The fissile material component processing and fabrication capabilities of the Savannah River Plutonium Processing Facility and the Los Alamos National Laboratory.”

; and

(C)

by striking subsection (c);

(5)

by striking section 4216 (and conforming the table of contents at the beginning of such Act accordingly);

(6)

in section 4405—

(A)

by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

“(a) Accelerated Cleanup.—The Secretary of Energy shall accelerate the schedule for defense environmental cleanup activities and disposition projects for a site at a Department of Energy defense nuclear facility if the Secretary determines that such an accelerated schedule will accelerate the recapitalization, modernization, or replacement of National Nuclear Security Administration facilities supporting the nuclear weapons stockpile, achieve meaningful, long-term cost savings to the Federal Government, or could substantially accelerate the release of land for local reuse without undermining national security objectives.”

; and

(B)

in subsection (b)—

(i)

by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (4) as paragraphs (2) through (5), respectively; and

(ii)

by inserting after the matter preceding paragraph (2), as so redesignated, the following new paragraph (1):

“(1) The extent to which accelerated cleanup schedules can contribute to a more rapid modernization of National Nuclear Security Administration facilities.”

; and

(7)

in section 4713—

(A)

in the heading of subsection (a)(1), by inserting “ and new nuclear weapon program” after “ extension”; and

(B)

by inserting “ or new nuclear weapon program” after “ stockpile life extension” each place it appears.

SEC. 3112. Prohibition on Admittance to National Security Laboratories and Nuclear Weapons Production Facilities.

Section 4502 of the Atomic Energy Defense Act (50 U.S.C. 2652) is amended—

(1)

by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:

“(a) Background Review Required.—The Secretary of Energy and the Administrator may not admit to any facility described in paragraph (3) of subsection (c) other than areas accessible to the general public any individual who is a citizen or agent of a covered foreign nation or a nation on the current sensitive countries list unless the Secretary or Administrator first completes a background review with respect to that individual.”

(2)

by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (e);

(3)

by inserting after subsection (b), the following new subsections:

“(c) Prohibition on Admittance.—

“(1) In general.—With respect to an individual who is a citizen or agent of a covered foreign nation, the Secretary and the Administrator may not, except as provided in paragraph (2), admit such individual to any areas not accessible to the general public within a facility described in paragraph (3).

“(2) Waiver.—The Secretary, acting through the Administrator, may waive the prohibition under paragraph (1) with respect to an individual who is a citizen or agent of a covered foreign nation if, not later than 30 days prior to admitting such individual to a facility described in such paragraph, the Secretary certifies to Congress that—

“(A) the admittance of such individual to the facility is in the national security interests of the United States;

“(B) no classified or restricted data will be revealed to such individual in connection with the admittance of such individual to the facility;

“(C) the Secretary or Administrator has consulted with the heads of other relevant departments or agencies of the United States Government to mitigate risks associated with the admittance of such individual; and

“(D) the background review completed to subsection (a) with respect to such individual did not uncover any previously unreported affiliation with military or intelligence organizations associated with a covered foreign nation.

“(3) Facilities described.—A facility described in this paragraph is a facility, or any portion thereof, that directly supports the mission, functions, and operations of the Administration (as described in this Act) and is located on—

“(A) a national security laboratory;

“(B) a nuclear weapons production facility; or

“(C) a site that directly supports the protection, development, sustainment, or disposal of technologies or materials related to the provision of nuclear propulsion for United States naval vessels.

“(4) Effective date.—The prohibition under paragraph (1) shall take effect on April 15, 2025.

“(d) Rule of Construction.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or otherwise affect the authority of the Secretary or the Administrator to—

“(1) admit to a facility described in paragraph (3) of subsection (c)—

“(A) a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States;

“(B) an individual involved in an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspection (as defined in the ‘Agreement between the United States and the IAEA for the Application of Safeguards in the U.S.’); or

“(C) an individual involved in information exchanges in support of activities of the United States with respect to nonproliferation, counterproliferation, and counterterrorism, in accordance with international treaties or other legally-binding agreements or instruments to which the United States is a party; or

“(2) admit any individual to a facility, or any portion thereof, that is not directly associated with or directly funded to perform the mission, functions, and operations of the Administration (as described in this Act).”

; and

(4)

in subsection (e), as so redesignated—

(A)

by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3) ; and

(B)

by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph (2):

“(2) The term ‘covered foreign nation’ means—

“(A) the People’s Republic of China;

“(B) the Russian Federation;

“(C) the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea; and

“(D) the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

SEC. 3113. Authority for National Nuclear Security Administration to Use Passenger Carriers for Contractor Commuting.

(a)

In General.— Subtitle C of title XLVIII of the Atomic Energy Defense Act (50 U.S.C. 2811 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

“SEC. 4834. AUTHORITY TO USE PASSENGER CARRIERS FOR CONTRACTOR COMMUTING.

“(a) Authority.—If and to the extent that the Administrator deems it appropriate to further mission activities under section 3211 of the National Nuclear Security Administration Act (50 U.S.C. 2401), a passenger carrier may be used to provide transportation services to contractor employees between the covered facility of the contractor employee and a mass transit facility in accordance with any applicable transportation plan adopted by the Administrator pursuant to this section.

“(b) Plan Requests and Approval.—

(1) The Administrator—

“(A) shall—

“(i) provide Management and Operating contractors at covered facilities the opportunity to, on a voluntary basis, submit, through the cognizant contracting officer of the applicable covered facility, a plan to provide transportation services described in subsection (a) for contractor employees at the covered facility; and

“(ii) review each such plan submitted in accordance with clause (i); and

“(B) may approve each such plan if the requirements described in clauses (i) through (iv) of paragraph (2)(B) are satisfied.

“(2) Each plan submitted pursuant to paragraph (1)(A)—

“(A) may include proposals for parking facilities, road improvements, real property acquisition, passenger carrier services, and commuting cost deferment payments to contractor employees; and

“(B) shall include—

“(i) a description of how the use of passenger carriers will facilitate the mission of the covered facility;

“(ii) a description of how the plan will be economical and advantageous to the Federal Government;

“(iii) a summary of the benefits that will be provided under the plan and how costs will be monitored; and

“(iv) a description of how the plan will alleviate traffic congestion, reduce commuting times, and improve recruitment and retention of contractor employees.

“(3) The Administrator may delegate to the Senior Procurement Executive of the Administration the approval of any plan submitted under this subsection.

“(c) Reimbursement.—The Administration may reimburse a contractor for the costs of transportation services incurred pursuant to a plan approved under subsection (b) using funds appropriated to the Administration.

“(d) Implementation.—In carrying out a plan approved under subsection (b), the Administrator, to the maximum extent practicable and consistent with sound budget policy, shall—

“(1) require the use alternative fuel vehicles to provide transportation services;

“(2) ensure funds spent for this plan further the mission activities of the Administration under section 3211 of the National Nuclear Security Administration Act (50 U.S.C. 2401); and

“(3) ensure that the time during which a contractor employee uses transportation services shall not be included for purposes of calculating the hours of work for such contractor employee.

“(e) Definitions.—In this section:

“(1) The term ‘contractor employee’ means an employee of a Management and Operating contractor or subcontractor employee at any tier.

“(2) The term ‘covered facility’ means any facility of the Administration that directly supports the mission of the Administration under section 3211 of the National Nuclear Security Administration Act (50 U.S.C. 2401).

“(3) The term ‘Management and Operating contractor’ means a management and operating contractor that manages a covered facility.

“(4) The term ‘passenger carrier’ means a passenger motor vehicle, aircraft, boat, ship, train, or other similar means of transportation that is owned, leased, or provided pursuant to contract or subcontract by the Federal Government or through a contractor of the Administration.”

(b)

Clerical Amendment.— The table of contents at the beginning of the Atomic Energy Defense Act is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 4833 the following new item:

“Sec. 4834. Authority to use passenger carriers for contractor commuting.”.

SEC. 3114. Authorization for Modification of B61-13 Nuclear Weapon.

The Secretary of Energy, acting through the Administrator for Nuclear Security, is authorized to carry out such efforts as required to modify or develop the B61-13 nuclear weapon.

SEC. 3115. Limitation on Availability of Funds Pending Submission of Information on Streamlining National Nuclear Security Administration Contracting.

Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act for fiscal year 2025 for Program Direction, NNSA Federal Salaries and Expenses, Headquarters, Travel, not more than 90 percent may be obligated or expended until the date on which the Administrator for Nuclear Security submits the report on streamlining requirements of the National Nuclear Security Administration with respect to contracting, procurement, construction, and material acquisition required by the report of the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate accompanying S.2226 of the 118th Congress (Senate Report 118–58).

SEC. 3116. Limitation on Use of Funds for Naval Nuclear Fuel Systems Based on Low-Enriched Uranium.

None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2025 for the National Nuclear Security Administration may be obligated or expended for the purposes of conducting research and development of an advanced naval nuclear fuel system based on low-enriched uranium until—

(1)

the Secretary of Energy and the Secretary of Defense submit to the congressional defense committees a determination as to whether the determination made by the Secretary of Energy and the Secretary of Defense pursuant to section 3118(c)(1) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (Public Law 114–92; 129 Stat. 1196) and submitted to the congressional defense committees on March 25, 2018, that the United States should not pursue such research and development, remains valid; and

(2)

the Secretary of the Navy submits to the congressional defense committees a determination as to whether an advanced naval nuclear fuel system based on low-enriched uranium that would not reduce vessel capability, increase expense, or reduce operational availability as a result of refueling requirements can be produced.

SEC. 3117. Prohibition on Availability of Funds to Reconvert or Retire W76–2 Warheads.

(a)

Prohibition.— Except as provided in subsection (b), none of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2025 for the National Nuclear Security Administration may be obligated or expended to reconvert or retire a W76–2 warhead.

(b)

Waiver.— The Administrator for Nuclear Security may waive the prohibition under subsection (a) if the Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, certifies in writing to the congressional defense committees that—

(1)

Russia and China do not possess naval capabilities similar to the W76–2 warhead in the active stockpiles of the respective countries; and

(2)

the Department of Defense does not have a valid military requirement for the W76–2 warhead.

Subtitle C Reports and Other Matters

SEC. 3121. Modification to and Termination of Certain Reporting Requirements under Atomic Energy Defense Act.

(a)

Plan for Construction and Operation of MOX Facility.— Section 4306 of the Atomic Energy Defense Act (50 U.S.C. 2566(a)(3)) is amended in subsection (a)(3)(A) by striking “ for as long as the MOX facility is in use” and inserting “ through 2024”.

(b)

Planned Disposition Program.— Such section is further amended in subsection (e) by striking “ If on July 1 each year beginning in 2025 and continuing for as long as the MOX facility is in use, less than 34 metric tons of defense plutonium or defense plutonium materials have been processed by the MOX facility, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a plan for—” and inserting “ If less than 34 metric tons of defense plutonium or defense plutonium materials have been processed by the MOX facility by October 1, 2026, the Secretary shall, not later than December 1, 2026, and on a biennial basis thereafter, submit to Congress a plan for—”.

SEC. 3122. Modification of Reporting Requirements Relating to Cost-Benefit Analyses for Competition of Management and Operating Contracts.

Section 4807(e) of the Atomic Energy Defense Act (50 U.S.C. 2787(e)) is amended to read as follows:

“(e) Review of Reports by Comptroller General of the United States.—

“(1) Determination.—The Comptroller General of the United States shall determine, in consultation with the congressional defense committees, whether to conduct an initial review, a comprehensive review, or both, of a report required by subsection (b).

“(2) Initial review.—The Comptroller General shall provide any initial review of a report required by subsection (b) as a briefing to the congressional defense committees not later than 180 days after that report is submitted to the congressional defense committees.

“(3) Comprehensive review.—

“(A) Submission.—The Comptroller General shall submit any comprehensive review of a report required by subsection (b) to the congressional defense committees not later than 3 years after that report is submitted to the congressional defense committees.

“(B) Elements.—A comprehensive review of a report required by subsection (b) shall include an assessment, based on the most current information available, of the following:

“(i) The actual cost savings achieved compared to cost savings estimated under subsection (c)(1), and any increased costs incurred under the contract that were unexpected or uncertain at the time the contract was awarded.

“(ii) Any disruptions or delays in mission activities or deliverables resulting from the competition for the contract compared to the disruptions and delays estimated under subsection (c)(4).

“(iii) Whether expected benefits of the competition with respect to mission performance or operations have been achieved.

“(iv) Such other matters as the Comptroller General considers appropriate.”

SEC. 3123. Restoration of a Domestic Uranium Enrichment Capability.

(a)

In General.— Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Energy, acting through the Administrator for Nuclear Security, shall conduct an assessment to evaluate at least 2, but not more than 4, geographically disparate possible locations in the United States that would by 2035 be best suited to host a modular, scalable facility for the domestic enrichment of unencumbered uranium, including highly-enriched uranium suitable for defense applications.

(b)

Report Required.— Not later than 150 days after commencing the assessment required by subsection (a), the Secretary of Energy, acting through the Administrator for Nuclear Security, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report describing the results of such assessment, including—

(1)

an initial cost assessment and schedule for the construction of at least one facility beginning not later than January 1, 2027; and

(2)

a statement declaring a preferred location or locations from among the locations evaluated pursuant to subsection (a).

SEC. 3124. Report on Activities from U.s.–u.k. Mutual Defense Agreement.

(a)

In General.— Not later than March 31, 2025, and annually thereafter until March 31, 2030, the Administrator for Nuclear Security shall submit to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the activities taken under the Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland for Cooperation on the Uses of Atomic Energy for Mutual Defense Purposes, done at Washington July 3, 1958 (commonly known as the “U.S.-U.K. Mutual Defense Agreement”).

(b)

Briefing Contents.— A briefing under subsection (a) shall include for the preceding calendar year—

(1)

a brief overview of major lines of effort, including specific activities of note;

(2)

a list of any exchange, barter, or sale of nuclear and related materials;

(3)

a description of the relationship, if any with AUKUS;

(4)

a summary of key scientific exchanges and test events; and

(5)

such other information as the Administrator considers necessary.

SEC. 3125. Notification of Certain Regulations That Impact the National Nuclear Security Administration.

(a)

In General.— If a director of a national security laboratory of the National Nuclear Security Administration determines that a Federal regulation could inhibit the ability of the Administrator for Nuclear Security to maintain the safety, security, or effectiveness of the nuclear weapons stockpile without engaging in explosive nuclear testing, such director, not later than 15 days after making such determination, shall submit to Congress a notification of such determination.

(b)

Form.— Each notification required by subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.

TITLE XXXII Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board

SEC. 3201. Authorization.

There are authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2025, $47,210,000 for the operation of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board under chapter 21 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2286 et seq.).

TITLE XXXIV Naval Petroleum Reserves

SEC. 3401. Authorization of Appropriations.

(a)

Amount.— There are hereby authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Energy $13,010,000 for fiscal year 2025 for the purpose of carrying out activities under chapter 869 of title 10, United States Code, relating to the naval petroleum reserves.

(b)

Period of Availability.— Funds appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in subsection (a) shall remain available until expended.

TITLE XXXV Maritime Administration

Subtitle A Maritime Administration

SEC. 3501. Authorization of Appropriations for Maritime Administration.

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Transportation for fiscal year 2025, for programs associated with maintaining the United States Merchant Marine, the following amounts:

(1)

For expenses necessary to support the United States Merchant Marine Academy, $194,000,000, of which—

(A)

$108,000,000 shall be for Academy operations;

(B)

$64,000,000 shall be for United States Merchant Marine Academy capital improvement projects;

(C)

$22,000,000 shall be for facilities maintenance and repair and equipment; and

(D)

$3,000,000 shall be for training, staffing, retention, recruiting, and contract management for United States Merchant Marine Academy capital improvement projects.

(2)

For expenses necessary to support the State maritime academies, $64,900,000, of which—

(A)

$4,800,000 shall be for the Student Incentive Payment Program;

(B)

$6,000,000 shall be for direct payments for State maritime academies;

(C)

$17,600,000 shall be for training ship fuel assistance;

(D)

$6,000,000 shall be for offsetting the costs of training ship sharing; and

(E)

$30,500,000 shall be for maintenance and repair of State maritime academy training vessels.

(3)

For expenses necessary to support the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel program, including funds for construction and necessary expenses to construct shoreside infrastructure to support such vessels, $75,000,000.

(4)

For expenses necessary to support Maritime Administration operations and programs, $110,000,000, of which—

(A)

$15,000,000 shall be for the maritime environmental and technical assistance program under section 50307 of title 46, United States Code;

(B)

$15,000,000 shall be for the United States marine highways program, including to make grants authorized under section 55601 of title 46, United States Code; and

(C)

$78,000,000 shall be for headquarters operations expenses.

(5)

For expenses necessary for the disposal of obsolete vessels in the National Defense Reserve Fleet of the Maritime Administration, $6,000,000.

(6)

For expenses necessary to maintain and preserve a United States flag merchant marine to serve the national security needs of the United States under chapter 531 of title 46, United States Code, $390,000,000.

(7)

For expenses necessary for the loan guarantee program under chapter 537 of title 46, United States Code, $33,700,000, of which—

(A)

$30,000,000 may be used for the cost (as such term is defined in section 502(5) of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (2 U.S.C. 661a(5)) of loan guarantees under the program; and

(B)

$3,700,000 may be used for administrative expenses relating to loan guarantee commitments under such program.

(8)

For expenses necessary to provide assistance to small shipyards and for maritime training programs authorized under section 54101 of title 46, United States Code, $35,000,000.

(9)

For expenses necessary to implement the port infrastructure development program, as authorized under section 54301 of title 46, United States Code, $500,000,000, to remain available until expended, except that no such funds authorized under this title for this program may be used to provide a grant to purchase fully automated cargo handling equipment that is remotely operated or remotely monitored with or without the exercise of human intervention or control, if the Secretary of Transportation determines such equipment would result in a net loss of jobs within a port or port terminal. If such a determination is made, the data and analysis for such determination shall be reported to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives not later than 3 days after the date of the determination.

SEC. 3502. Reauthorization of Maritime Security Program.

(a)

Award of Operating Agreements.— Section 53103 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking “ 2035” each place it appears and inserting “ 2040”.

(b)

Effectiveness of Operating Agreements.— Section 53104(a) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking “ 2035” and inserting “ 2040”.

(c)

Annual Payments.— Section 53106(a)(1) of title 46, United States Code, is amended—

(1)

in subparagraph (C), by striking “ 2024, and 2025” and inserting “ , and 2024”;

(2)

by redesignating subparagraphs (D) through (F) as subparagraphs (E) through (G), respectively;

(3)

by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following new subparagraph (D):

“(D) $6,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 and 2026;”

(4)

in subparagraph (E), as so redesignated—

(A)

by striking “ $5,800,000” and inserting “ $6,675,500”; and

(B)

by striking “ 2026, 2027,” and inserting “ 2027”;

(5)

in subparagraph (F), as so redesignated—

(A)

by striking “ $6,300,000” and inserting “ $6,855,000”; and

(B)

by striking “ , 2030, and 2031; and” and inserting “ and 2030;”;

(6)

in subparagraph (G), as so redesignated—

(A)

by striking “ $6,800,000” and inserting “ $7,040,000”;

(B)

by inserting “ 2031 and” before “ 2032”; and

(C)

by striking “ , 2033, 2034, and 2035.” and inserting a semicolon; and

(7)

by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:

“(H) $7,230,000 for each of fiscal years 2033 and 2034;

“(I) $7,426,000 for each of fiscal years 2035 and 2036;

“(J) $7,626,000 for each of fiscal years 2037 and 2038; and

“(K) $7,832,000 for each of fiscal years 2039 and 2040.”

(d)

Authorization of Appropriations.— Section 53111 of title 46, United States Code, is amended—

(1)

in paragraph (3), by striking “ 2024, and 2025” and inserting “ and 2024”;

(2)

by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (6) as paragraphs (5) through (7), respectively;

(3)

by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new paragraph (4):

“(4) $390,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 and 2026;”

(4)

in paragraph (5), as so redesignated—

(A)

by striking “ $348,000,000” and inserting “ $400,500,000”; and

(B)

by striking “ 2026, 2027,” and inserting “ 2027”;

(5)

in paragraph (6), as so redesignated—

(A)

by striking “ $378,000,000” and inserting “ $411,300,000”; and

(B)

by striking “ , 2030, and 2031; and” and inserting “ and 2030;”;

(6)

in paragraph (7), as so redesignated—

(A)

by striking “ $408,000,000” and inserting “ $422,400,000”; and

(B)

by striking “ 2032, 2033, 2034, and 2035” and inserting “ 2031 and 2032”; and

(7)

by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:

“(8) $433,800,000 for each of fiscal years 2033 and 2034;

“(9) $445,560,000 for each of fiscal years 2035 and 2036;

“(10) $457,560,000 for each of fiscal years 2037 and 2038; and

“(11) $469,920,000 for each of fiscal years 2039 and 2040.”

Subtitle B Maritime Infrastructure

SEC. 3511. Port Infrastructure Development Program.

(a)

Port Infrastructure Development Grants.—

(1)

In general.— In making port infrastructure development grants under section 54301 of title 46, United States Code, for fiscal year 2025 using funds appropriated after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall treat a project described in paragraph (2) as—

(A)

having met the requirements of paragraphs (1) and (6)(A)(i) of section 54301(a) of such title; and

(B)

an eligible project under paragraph (3) of such section.

(2)

Project described.— A project described in this paragraph is a project to provide shore power at a port that services—

(A)

passenger vessels described in section 3507(k) of title 46, United States Code; and

(B)

vessels that move goods or freight.

(3)

Modification to port definition.— Section 54301(a)(12)(A)(ii) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking “ inland waters” and inserting “ inland waters (including the Great Lakes)”.

(b)

Consistency.—

(1)

In general.— Chapter 505 of subtitle V of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

“§ 50505. Consistent approval of existing categorical exclusions

“In accordance with section 139 of title 23, the Maritime Administrator may approve any action qualifying as a categorical exclusion applicable to the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Transit Administration, or the Federal Railroad Administration when the applicable requirements of that categorical exclusion have been met that are in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), and any other applicable law. Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to limit any existing authority of the Maritime Administration to approve, promulgate, or publish categorical exclusions consistent with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) or any other applicable law.”

(2)

Clerical amendment.— The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 505 of such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 50504 the following new item:

“50505. Consistent approval of existing categorical exclusions.”.

(c)

Establishing Applicable Categorical Exclusions.—

(1)

In general.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Maritime Administrator shall issue a notice in the Federal Register including the categorical exclusions in use as of the date of enactment of this section by the Maritime Administration for actions or projects the Maritime Administration oversees. The Maritime Administrator may subsequently update such categorical exclusions. Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to limit any existing authority of the Maritime Administration to approve, promulgate, or publish categorical exclusions consistent with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) or any other applicable law.

(2)

Survey and proposed rulemaking.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Maritime Administrator shall—

(A)

survey the use of categorical exclusions by the Maritime Administration with respect to projects initiated during or after 2015;

(B)

publish on a public website the results of that survey, which shall include a description of the types of actions categorically excluded and any additional categorical exclusions that were legally available to the Maritime Administrator from other operating administrations and the Department of the Army but were or were not adopted; and

(C)

publish a notice of proposed rulemaking to propose new Maritime Administration categorical exclusions for projects and a process by which the Maritime Administration will update the list of categorical exclusions to reflect lessons learned in grant administration and project construction.

(3)

Definitions.— In this subsection:

(A)

Categorical exclusions.— The term “categorical exclusion” has the meaning given the term in section 111 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4336e).

(B)

Project.— The term “project” means an eligible project as described in section 54301(a)(3) of title 46, United States Code.

(d)

Application Timelines.— Section 54301(a)(5) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

“(C) Delayed notice of funding opportunity.—If the Secretary amends a published solicitation for grant applications such that an applicant would need the information contained in the amendment to draft an application, other than an amendment of the amount of grant funding available, the Secretary shall extend the application deadline by the number of days between the initial solicitation and the amendment.”

(e)

Project Budget Reviews.— Section 54301(a)(9) of title 46, United States Code, is amended—

(1)

in subparagraph (B) by striking “ and” at the end;

(2)

in subparagraph (C) by striking the period at the end and inserting “ ; and”; and

(3)

by adding at the end the following:

“(D) grant contracts are approved efficiently by the Secretary, minimizing delays for minor adjustments to project scopes and budgets, including due to inflationary effects on projects.”

(f)

Application Process.— Section 54301(a)(5)(A) of title 46, United States Code, is amended—

(1)

by striking “ To be eligible” and inserting the following:

“(i) In general.—To be eligible”

; and

(2)

by adding at the end the following:

“(ii) Ensuring cybersecurity.—If a covered applicant for a grant under this subsection is applying to use the grant to acquire digital infrastructure or a software component, such applicant shall—

“(I) certify the facility for which a covered applicant is applying for a grant has an approved facility security plan pursuant to section 70103(c) of this title that addresses the cybersecurity risks of such digital infrastructure or software component; or

“(II) if the approved facility security plan of a facility for which a covered applicant is applying for a grant does not address such cybersecurity risks, provide a brief description in the application of how such applicant will address the cybersecurity risks of such digital infrastructure or software component.

“(iii) Update of facility security plan.—If the approved facility security plan required under section 70103(c) of this title of a facility for which a covered applicant is applying for a grant under this subsection does not address the cybersecurity risks of digital infrastructure or a software component to be acquired by such grant and such applicant provides a brief description to address such cybersecurity risks under clause (ii)(II), the covered applicant shall ensure that such security plan is updated to address the cybersecurity risks described in clause (ii)(II) in the next update required under paragraph (3)(G) of such section.

“(iv) Covered applicant defined.—In this paragraph, the term ‘covered applicant’ means an applicant under this subsection that is not otherwise eligible under subsection (b).”

(g)

Staffing and Grant Timelines.— Not later than 365 days after the date of the enactment of this section, and for each of the next 5 years thereafter, the Secretary of Transportation shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the average length of grant obligation timelines for the Port Infrastructure Development Program under section 54301 of title 46, United States Code, and the nature of any staffing shortages relevant to administering such program.

SEC. 3512. Assessment of United States Sealift Capability.

(a)

Assessment of Sealift Capability.— Not later than March 1, 2026, the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating when not operating as a service in the Navy, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Secretary of Defense, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that includes each of the following:

(1)

An assessment of the readiness and sufficiency of the United States maritime infrastructure, shipping industry, and shipbuilding industry, and United States-flagged, owned, and operated fleets to meet strategic sealift requirements during peace, crisis, and war and operate in a contested environment.

(2)

An assessment of ocean-going trade opportunities and challenges with respect to the economy of the United States.

(3)

An assessment of critical infrastructure in the United States maritime transportation system, including ports, shipyards, repair yards, inland waterways, and the domestic fleet, and foreign investment in maritime infrastructure.

(4)

An evaluation of foreign investment, ownership, and control in maritime infrastructure, including ports, terminals, and other related infrastructure.

(5)

Recommendations for—

(A)

improving the critical shipbuilding infrastructure, workforce recruitment, development, and retention, and critical supply chains of the United States, including for critical repair parts; and

(B)

addressing any risks identified in paragraphs (1) through (4) as necessary to protect and strengthen the United States maritime transportation system.

(b)

Assessment of Arrangements and Agreements With Treaty Allies.— Not later than March 1, 2026, the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that includes each of the following:

(1)

An assessment of existing arrangements and agreements with treaty allies for access to the global maritime transportation infrastructure such as ports, harbors, and waterways.

(2)

An assessment of existing assurances, arrangements, and agreements with treaty allies to augment United States sealift capabilities and meet sealift requirements during peace, crisis, and war.

(3)

Recommendations for updating such arrangements and agreements to reflect the global security environment.

(c)

Report on Potential Public-private Partnership Opportunities.— Not later than March 1, 2026, the Secretary of Transportation shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on requirements to maintain, improve, or grow the Maritime Security Program, Tanker Security Program, and the Ready Reserve Force over the decade following the date of the enactment of this Act.

(d)

Alternate Strategic Seaports Assessment and Report.—

(1)

Assessment.— The Commander of the United States Transportation Command, in coordination with the Administrator of the Maritime Administration, shall conduct an assessment to identify—

(A)

any additional operational criteria or infrastructure enhancements necessary to ensure that alternate seaport facilities meet strategic seaport facility standards; and

(B)

any infrastructure enhancements to strategic seaport facilities to ensure such facilities continue to meet readiness requirements.

(2)

Contents.— In conducting the assessment under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall—

(A)

identify any shoreside improvements at alternate seaport facilities that are necessary for such facilities to meet strategic seaport facility standards;

(B)

identify any shoreside and in-water improvements at strategic seaport facilities that are necessary for such facilities to continue to meet strategic seaport facility standards, including with respect to the continued efficient movement of cargo; and

(C)

provide recommendations and a plan for the implementation of the improvements identified under subparagraphs (A) and (B) to ensure that alternate seaport facilities are fully prepared for use as strategic seaport facilities if required.

(3)

Report.— Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the assessment required under paragraph (1).

(e)

Form of Reports.— The reports required under subsections (a) and (b) may be submitted in a classified format.

(f)

Definitions.— In this section:

(1)

The term “appropriate congressional committees” means—

(A)

the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Appropriations, and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; and

(B)

the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Appropriations, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives.

(2)

The term “treaty allies” means nations with whom the United States has entered into mutual defense treaties.

Subtitle C Reports

SEC. 3521. Independent Study and Report on Shanghai Shipping Exchange.

(a)

Study.— Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall enter into an agreement with an appropriate independent entity to conduct a study and assessment of the business practices of the Shanghai Shipping Exchange, including—

(1)

any anticompetitive advantages benefitting the Shanghai Shipping Exchange; and

(2)

the ability of the Ministry of Transport of the People’s Republic of China and the Shanghai Shipping Exchange to manipulate container freight markets through the Shanghai Shipping Exchange.

(b)

Elements.— In conducting the study and assessment under subsection (a), the appropriate independent entity that enters into an agreement under subsection (a) shall address the following:

(1)

The influence of the government of the People’s Republic of China on the Shanghai Shipping Exchange.

(2)

The effect of the business practices or influence of the Shanghai Shipping Exchange on United States consumers and businesses.

(3)

Any other matters the Secretary or the appropriate independent entity that enters into an agreement under subsection (a) determines to be appropriate for the purposes of the study.

(c)

Report.—

(1)

In general.— Not later than one year after the date on which the Secretary enters into an agreement under this section, the appropriate independent entity shall submit to the Secretary, the congressional defense committees, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate a report containing the results of the study conducted under subsection (a).

(2)

Public availability.— The Secretary shall publish the report required under paragraph (1) on a publicly accessible website of the Department of Transportation.

(d)

Appropriate Independent Entity Defined.— In this section, the term “appropriate independent entity” means—

(1)

a federally funded research and development center sponsored by a Federal agency;

(2)

the Government Accountability Office; or

(3)

an organization described in section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code.

SEC. 3522. Study on Transportation of Personal Protective Equipment.

(a)

Study.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study on—

(1)

the extent to which the transportation of personal protective equipment for health care was expedited during the period beginning on January 1, 2020, and ending on December 31, 2022, as a response to the COVID–19 pandemic;

(2)

how the transportation of such personal protective equipment was expedited during such period through vessels and ports onto trucks or rail;

(3)

how relevant stakeholders, such as vessel operators, ports, marine terminal operators, rail carriers, and motor carriers, interacted during such period to transport personal protective equipment;

(4)

what role the Department of Transportation and other relevant Federal agencies played to expedite the transportation of personal protective equipment during such period;

(5)

what authorities currently exist which allow for the expedited transportation of personal protective equipment by relevant Federal agencies that do not reduce or impact safety;

(6)

methodologies to improve the coordination among relevant Federal agencies to expedite the transportation of personal protective equipment; and

(7)

the impact, if any, that any expedition of essential medical supplies had on the transportation of other goods.

(b)

Report.— Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this section, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report containing the findings of the study conducted under subsection (a).

Subtitle D Other Matters

SEC. 3531. Extension of Certain Provisions Relating to Tanker Security Fleet Program.

(a)

Operating Agreements.— Section 53404(a) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking “ 2035” and inserting “ 2040”.

(b)

Payments.— Subsection (a) of section 53406 of title 46, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

“(a) Annual Payments.—

“(1) In general.—Subject to the availability of appropriations and the other provisions of this section, the Secretary shall pay to a program participant for an operating agreement under this chapter, for each vessel that is covered by the operating agreement, an amount equal to—

“(A) $8,160,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 and 2026;

“(B) $8,380,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 and 2028;

“(C) $8,606,000 for each of fiscal years 2029 and 2030;

“(D) $8,839,000 for each of fiscal years 2031 and 2032;

“(E) $9,078,000 for each of fiscal years 2033 and 2034;

“(F) $9,323,000 for each of fiscal years 2035 and 2036;

“(G) $9,574,000 for each of fiscal years 2037 and 2038; and

“(H) $9,833,000 for each of fiscal years 2039 and 2040.

“(2) Timing.—The amount payable to a program participant under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year shall be paid in 12 equal monthly installments at the end of each month during that fiscal year. The amount payable for any fiscal year may not be reduced except as provided by this section or section 51307(b).”

(c)

Authorization of Appropriations.— Section 53411 of such title is amended to read as follows:

“§ 53411. Authorization of appropriations

“There are authorized to be appropriated for payments under section 53406, amounts as follows, to remain available until expended:

“(1) $122,400,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 and 2026.

“(2) $167,600,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 and 2028.

“(3) $172,120,000 for each of fiscal years 2029 and 2030.

“(4) $176,780,000 for each of fiscal years 2031 and 2032.

“(5) $181,560,000 for each of fiscal years 2033 and 2034.

“(6) $186,460,000 for each of fiscal years 2035 and 2036.

“(7) $191,480,000 for each of fiscal years 2037 and 2038.

“(8) $196,660,000 for each of fiscal years 2039 and 2040.”

SEC. 3532. Requirements for Purchasing Federally Auctioned Vessels.

(a)

In General.— Chapter 571 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

“§ 57112. Requirements for purchasing federally auctioned vessels

“(a) In General.—To be eligible to purchase a covered vessel from the Federal Government, a person shall provide proof of—

“(1) liability insurance for the operator of such covered vessel;

“(2) financial resources sufficient to cover maintenance costs of such covered vessel; and

“(3) with respect to a covered vessel requiring documentation under chapter 121, an admiralty bond or stipulation.

“(b) Covered Vessel Defined.—In this section, the term ‘covered vessel’ means—

“(1) a government owned vessel disposed of in accordance with this part and section 548 of title 40;

“(2) a vessel seized or forfeited pursuant to any law, and auctioned by the Federal Government, including a vessel seized or forfeited pursuant to section 7301 or 7302 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; or

“(3) a fishing vessel seized or forfeited pursuant to section 310 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1860).”

(b)

Clerical Amendment.— The analysis for chapter 571 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

“57112. Requirements for purchasing federally auctioned vessels.”.

SEC. 3533. Recapitalization of National Defense Reserve Fleet.

Section 3546 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 46 U.S.C. 57100 note) is amended—

(1)

by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following new subsection (a):

“(a) In General.—

“(1) Vessel construction.—Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Chief of Naval Operations and the Commandant of the Coast Guard, shall complete the design of a sealift vessel for the National Defense Reserve Fleet to allow for the construction of such vessel to begin in fiscal year 2025.

“(2) Agreement with vessel construction manager.—Notwithstanding section 8679 of title 10, United States Code, and subject to the availability of appropriations made specifically available for reimbursements to the Ready Reserve Force, Maritime Administration account of the Department of Transportation for programs, projects, activities, and expenses related to the National Defense Reserve Fleet, the Secretary of the Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of the Navy, shall seek to enter into an agreement with an appropriate vessel construction manager under which the vessel construction manager shall enter into a contract for the construction of not more than ten such vessels in accordance with this section.”

; and

(2)

in subsection (d), by striking “ The Secretary of the Navy shall consult and coordinate with the Secretary of Transportation” and inserting “ The Secretary of Transportation shall consult and coordinate with the Secretary of the Navy”.

SEC. 3534. Armed Forces Merchant Mariner Officer Expedited Preparation Program.

Section 51506 of title 46, United States Code, is amended—

(1)

in subsection (a)(2), by inserting before the semicolon the following: “ , which shall include standards for a program described in subsection (c)”;

(2)

by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and

(3)

by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection (c):

“(c) Armed Forces Merchant Mariner Officer Expedited Preparation Program.—

“(1) In general.—A State maritime academy may offer a program under which an eligible individual may complete a merchant marine officer preparation program approved by the Secretary, and the requirements for the issuance of a license under section 7101 of this title, in less than 3 years, without a requirement to earn a baccalaureate or other degree from the State maritime academy.

“(2) Eligible individuals.—For purposes of this subsection, an eligible individual is an individual—

“(A) who is—

“(i) a person who served in the Armed Forces, and who was discharged or released therefrom under honorable conditions; or

“(ii) a member of the National Guard or Reserves who has performed at least six years of service therein; and

“(B) who has earned a baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher education (as defined in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002)).”

SEC. 3535. Technical Clarifications.

(a)

Port Infrastructure Development Program.— Section 54301(a) of title 46, United States Code, is amended—

(1)

in paragraph (6)—

(A)

in subparagraph (A)(ii) by striking “ subparagraph (C)” and inserting “ subparagraph (D)”;

(B)

in subparagraph (B)(ii), by striking “ subparagraph (C)” and inserting “ subparagraph (D)”; and

(C)

by redesignating the second subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D);

(2)

in paragraph (10)—

(A)

in subparagraph (B)(i) by striking “ ans” and inserting “ and”; and

(B)

by striking subparagraph (C) and redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (C); and

(3)

in paragraph (12)(E) by striking “ and” before “ commercial port”.

(b)

Assistance for Small Shipyards.— Section 54101 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (i).

(c)

National Defense Reserve Fleet.— Section 57100 of title 46, United States Code, is amended—

(1)

in subsection (b)(1) by striking “ section 902 of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 (46 App. U.S.C. 1242)” and inserting “ chapter 563”; and

(2)

in subsection (f)(2) by striking “ the such use” and inserting “ the use of such”.

(d)

Maritime Workforce Working Group.— Section 3534(d)(1) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31) is amended by striking “ section 3545(a)” and inserting “ section 3542(a)”.

(e)

Administration.— Section 15109 of title 46, United States Code, is amended—

(1)

in subsection (a)(2) by striking “ 15102,” and inserting “ 15102”; and

(2)

in subsection (k)(1) by inserting “ or to which this chapter applies” after “ under this chapter”.

(f)

Investigations.— Section 41302(a) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking “ conduct agreement” and inserting “ conduct, agreement”.

(g)

Award of Reparations.— Section 41305(c) of title 46 is amended by striking “ section subsection” and inserting “ subsection”.

(h)

National Shipper Advisory Committee.— Section 42502(c)(3) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking “ (3) Representation.—” and all that follows through “ (A) Twelve members” and inserting the following:

“(3) Representation.—Members of the Committee shall be appointed as follows:

“(A) Twelve members”

(i)

Monetary Penalties or Refunds.— The analysis for chapter 411 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 41107 and inserting the following:

“41107. Monetary penalties or refunds.”.

(j)

Annual Report and Public Disclosure.—

(1)

Conforming amendment.— The heading for section 46106 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting “ and public disclosure” after “ report”.

(2)

Clerical amendment.— The analysis for chapter 461 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 46106 and inserting the following:

“46106. Annual report and public disclosure.”.

(k)

Deepwater Port Act of 1974.— The Deepwater Port Act of 1974 (33 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.) is amended by repealing section 25.

(l)

Maritime Environmental and Technical Assistance Program.— Paragraph (2) of subsection (d) of section 50307 of title 46 U.S. Code is amended to read as follows:

“(2) a public entity, including a Federal, State, regional, or local government entity, including a special district;”

SEC. 3536. Buy America Requirements for Shipyard Modernization and Improvement Program.

Section 53733 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

“(f) Buy America.—Part I of subtitle A of title IX of division G of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117–58; 41 U.S.C. 8301 note) shall apply to any funds obligated by the Administrator under this section.”

SEC. 3537. Nomination of Merchant Marine Cadets in Event of Death, Resignation, or Expulsion from Office of Member of Congress Otherwise Authorized to Nominate.

(a)

In General.— Chapter 513 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 51302 the following new section:

“§ 51302a. Nomination in event of death, resignation, or expulsion from office of Senator otherwise authorized to nominate

“(a) Senators.—In the event a Senator does not submit nominations for cadets for an academic year in accordance with section 51302(b)(1) of this title due to death, resignation from office, or expulsion from office, and the date of the swearing-in of the Senator’s successor as Senator occurs after the date of the deadline for submittal of nominations for cadets for the academic year, the nominations for cadets otherwise authorized to be made by the Senator pursuant to such section shall be made instead by the other Senator from the State concerned.

“(b) Construction of Authority.—Any nomination for cadets made by a Senator pursuant to this section is not a reallocation of a nomination. Such nominations are made in lieu of a Senator not submitting nominations for cadets for an academic year in accordance with section 51302 of this title due to death, resignation from office, or expulsion from office and the date of the swearing-in of the Senator’s successor occurs after the date of the deadline for submittal of nominations for cadets for the academic year.”

(b)

Clerical Amendment.— The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 513 of such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 51302 the following new item:

“51302a. Nomination in event of death, resignation, or expulsion from office of Senator otherwise authorized to nominate.”.

SEC. 3538. Amended License Applications for Certain Deepwater Ports for Natural Gas.

Section 5(i) of the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 (33 U.S.C. 1504(i)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

“(5) Decision on amended license applications.—

“(A) Definition of amended license application.—In this paragraph, the term ‘amended license application’ means a license application for a deepwater port for natural gas—

“(i) that was originally submitted to the Secretary prior to the issuance of the proclamation issued by the President on March 13, 2020, with respect to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–19) pandemic; and

“(ii) with respect to which the applicant, based on guidance offered by the Secretary, has made subsequent revisions since the submission of the initial license application and submitted such revised application.

“(B) Expedited review and approval.—The Secretary shall expedite the review and subsequent approval or denial of amended license applications submitted pursuant to this section that meet the eligibility criteria described in subparagraph (C).

“(C) Eligibility criteria.—To be eligible for review under this paragraph, an amended license application shall meet the following criteria:

“(i) The amended license application is for a natural gas deepwater port facility.

“(ii) The Secretary had determined that the project as specified in the initial license application was not likely to have any significant adverse environmental impact on species and habitat, consistent with law including National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).

“(iii) The Secretary has determined that the results of the environmental review conducted for the initial license application is still applicable to the amended license application and an additional environmental review is not required.

“(iv) The Secretary had published an affirmative Record of Decision for the initial license application.

“(D) Deadline for decision.—The Secretary shall approve or deny an amended license application submitted pursuant to this paragraph by no later than 270 consecutive days after the date on which the Secretary determines that the amended license application is complete and meets the requirements under this section.”